Two pelicans named Joey and Felicity were reported outside their habitat at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium on Saturday, Oct. 17. The zoo said Joey had been rescued from the Allegheny River near Sharpsburg by 4 p.m., and Felicity was rescued around 4:46 p.m., according to WPXI, after a search that drew help from several groups and agencies.
What happened on Saturday
Around 11 a.m., the zoo confirmed to WPXI that it was “aware that two pelicans are currently outside of their habitat.” In a statement, the zoo said: “Our animal care team is monitoring the situation and is actively working on their safe return. Animal safety and well-being remain our top priority. We will share additional information as it becomes available.”
A WPXI photographer saw crews searching for the birds between the Highland Park Bridge and the 62nd Street Bridge. At 4 p.m., the zoo said Joey had been safely rescued from the Allegheny River near Sharpsburg. Felicity was still being monitored, and zoo officials were “optimistic” about her rescue. WPXI reported that around 4:46 p.m. Felicity was also rescued, and its cameras showed her back in zoo officials’ care.
Who helped
The zoo reportedly took more than a dozen tips from the public and received help from Pittsburgh River Rescue, Three Rivers Waterkeeper, the Army Corps of Engineers and the National Aviary, WPXI reported. CBS Pittsburgh reported that River Rescue and Waterkeeper provided boats and that two zoo teams monitored the birds.
In a social media post quoted by WPXI, the zoo said: “Zoo staff are overjoyed and relieved that the birds are healthy, and deeply grateful for the community’s support during this event.”
Who the pelicans are
CBS Pittsburgh describes Joey and Felicity as brown pelicans. They arrived at the zoo in July 2025 and live with the Humboldt penguins. WPXI reported that a July 11, 2025 social media post from Seaside Seabird Sanctuary said the pelicans could not be released because of wing injuries from fishing tackle.
What is not known
The reports do not say how the birds left their enclosure or when they did. CBS Pittsburgh reported, citing the zoo, that the birds have permanent wing injuries and cannot hunt. It is not known whether they could fly. The reports do not say who caught which bird, how each was caught, or where Felicity was found.
What comes next
CBS Pittsburgh reported that the birds were returned to the facility with no injuries, and WPXI said both birds will undergo a health check back at the zoo before returning to their habitat; no result of that check had been reported as of early Sunday. The zoo said it will share additional information as it becomes available.